A business owner forced to relocate in the aftermath of the Primark fire has told of her elation at being able to move back seven months on.
Kathleen McGovern re-opened Abacus Beads yesterday back at its original location on Castle Street in Belfast city centre.
The shop had been in Castle Street for 15 years until the devastating blaze at nearby Bank Buildings broke out.
The business was forced to close for 10 weeks in the aftermath of the fire before it relocated to new premises in Queen's Arcade at the start of November.
But more than three months on, Abacus Beads reopened yesterday back at its original home.
The move came as another part of the cordon around the Primark building was reduced, as the footpath from the corner of Donegall Place to the corner of Fountain Street reopened.
Ms McGovern said she felt "elated" to be back 'home'.
"I am absolutely exhausted because it's been a busy few days, getting everything moved and fixed up but I am elated to be back home," she said.
"They had been aiming for April. They were getting on quicker than they thought and that reduced down to this week. I got access to the premises last Wednesday and that gave me a chance to get it cleaned."
She added: "I got the stock out before Christmas. I had to repackage everything. Every single bead has been cleaned."
Ms McGovern said the response from customers has been "brilliant".
"I have had loads of people in this morning wishing me well, bringing me good luck cards, even random people I don't know. It's been lovely.
"The whole of Castle Street pavement is opened but the road is closed. It's fantastic, there are so many people going up and down already.
"It's been really busy. It's only a small piece of the pavement but it is such a heavily used street."
Meanwhile, fashion store Zara has confirmed it will reopen in Belfast city centre next week.
The Spanish retailer was forced to close its three-storey Donegall Place store in August following the Primark blaze.
Some nearby businesses have been able to reopen sooner thanks to the erection of a covered walkway past Bank Buildings.
Earlier this year, Zara - which has remained behind the cordon - said it planned to re-open as "as soon as possible” at its present location.
Yesterday a spokeswoman for the popular retailer confirmed that the store will reopen on Thursday April 4.
She said: “We are really excited to be reopening our store in Belfast."
